Thursday, August 30, 2012

Perspective

My book officially "releases" in two days.

I won't lie. I'm completely, totally, on-top-of-the-world excited!

But....

It isn't the coolest thing ever. There are MUCH cooler things in this world.

Like seeing a newborn baby born into this world.

Or witnessing a person come to know Jesus for the first time, especially your own child.

Or getting a phone call letting you know that your dying child is going to have a second chance at life.

Yup. There are a lot more amazing things in this world than being published.

A few years ago, I might have argued that being published was one of the biggest things that could happen to me. Now I'll be happy to argue the opposite to anyone who cares to listen.

It all has to do with perspective.

God taught me perspective through my publishing journey.

In 2010, the day I found out that my manuscript did NOT final in a contest, I also found out that my unborn daughter had a malformed heart and only had a 70% chance to live past the age of 5... and only an 80% chance to live past the first week of life.

Perspective: Bad contest news... who really cares?

In January 2011, I spoke with my now editor on the phone when she requested me to send her a proposal for a book. My FIRST editor request! An hour later, doctors told me my 6-month-old daughter was dying and would only have a chance to live if we put her on the heart transplant list.

Perspective: Sending the proposal was now just busy work to get my mind off the scary stuff. Nothing more.

In April 2011, I found out my manuscript semi-finaled in that same contest it hadn't the year before. The next day, I got a phone call from my daughter's cardiologist. There was a life-saving heart available. About 15 hours later, my daughter's heart was being cut out of her chest and a heart from a deceased 2 year old was being put in it's place.

Perspective: Semi-final? What Semi-final? My baby is going to LIVE!!!

In June 2011, just days after going home for the first time, my daughter was admitted back into the hospital with a failing heart. She failed fast, and emergency, exploratory surgery was performed to try and fix it. It worked, and she came home! The next week, my editor called, offering me a book contract. Two days later, I signed with amazing agent, Rachelle Gardner.

Perspective Contract was AMAZING. An Agent was AMAZING. I won't lie. Both dreams come true. But it was just the final, decorative touches on the beautiful present God had given me, my daughter home, and well.

In July 2011, we finalized the contract and I officially signed it on Annabelle's birthday, 7/20/11. Two days later, she almost died at home. Unresponsive, barely breathing, she was given CPR, intubated in the ambulance and life-lighted to the hospital.

Perspective: What contract? I just want my baby better.

September 2012. Annabelle is doing great at 2 years of age. She's newly walking, trying to start to talk, still working on learning to eat. We are so very thankful for all God has brought us through and for EVERY SINGLE DAY we have with our sweet baby girl.

And my book releases.

Perspective:  Both are very, very, very cool.

But I think you can guess which one is the coolest.

Discussion: What is cooler than YOUR writing journey?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ah, Krista. I have tears in my eyes as I read your story. God always has a way of giving us a proper perspective in this life. Thank you for sharing yours. Your daughter is beautiful. She looks like she's got a lot of personality. :)

Having good health and my family together are two biggies that have helped me maintain/renew an accurate perspective. Last summer, I had some unexpected results of surgery, requiring some extra procedures through the summer. The process to getting my body functioning as it should opened my eyes to the many ways God's fingerprints were on that season. I saw His love for me in so many ways each day. It reminded me that focusing on Him is the most important thing I can do, even more than writing. :)

Having our two children come into our family the way they did makes me remember they are the blessing. Getting to write is pretty great, but it pales in comparison to the beauty of having children in our family.

Sorry this was so long today. :)

Lindsay Harrel said...

What a beautiful story and perspective. I love what God can do in our hearts and how he shows us what's really important.

Congrats on your upcoming book release!

Sarah Forgrave said...

Love this, Krista. Great reminder.

And two days?! I've gotta get my copy so I can see the final polished version. :) Can't wait!

Joanne Sher said...

What an AMAZING perspective - and reminder for me. THANK you. Excited for you in ALL counts!

Susan Anne Mason said...

Krista,

So happy for you and your adorable little girl! Enjoy your book release!

Cheers,
Sue

Iola said...

Sandwich is a cool book.

But your daughter's story is way, way cooler. Thanks for sharing.

Krista Phillips said...

Thanks everyone!!

Putting our writing into perspective is SO important. I think it helps us not to let the wins go to our head or the losses go to our heart.:-)

Sarah... I'll bring you one at ACFW!! You deserve a "real" copy after all your hard work!!

Karen @ a house full of sunshine said...

SO powerful, Krista!!

Unknown said...

WOW!- don't really need to say much else